No charges in Tory honours probe

The Crown Prosecution Service said there was insufficient evidence to bring charges in relation to the so-called "cash for honours" inquiry into the Conservative Party.

In a statement, the CPS said it had advised the Metropolitan Police that there was no "realistic prospect" of a conviction under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925.

The announcement finally brings an end to the prolonged saga which began last year with the launch of the Scotland Yard inquiry into claims that peerages were awarded in return for political donations.

Although most attention focused on the alleged involvement of senior aides to then Prime Minister Tony Blair, the police also assembled a separate file of evidence in relation to claims against the Conservatives.

The CPS said it covered "the nomination of a donor as a working peer and an approach made to the Conservative Party by a party donor".

"In relation to both of these matters the CPS has decided that there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction of any individuals for any offence under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925 or for any other offence," the statement said.

"In coming to these decisions the CPS consulted independent counsel."

Tuesday's statement follows the announcement in July that no charges would be brought in respect of the allegations involving the Labour Party.